Wednesday, November 2, 2005

FANTASTIC FOUR ANIMATED SERIES

Christopher Yost, the co-writer of the New X-Men comic book, is the head writer for the new Fantastic Four animated series.

According to information provided to The Continuum by Cartoon Network, Cartoon Network Europe is co-producing the series together with Paris based-production company Moonscoop, French broadcaster M6 and Marvel.

Twenty-six 30-minute episodes are planned. Fantastic Four is expected to premiere on Cartoon Network UK in the second half of 2006. No word yet on when it will premiere in the United States.

"This is a great opportunity to build on the success of the recent Fantastic Four movie, and to focus on making the franchise accessible to our core kid audience," said Daniel Lennard, Senior Director, Original Animation & Acquisitions, Cartoon Network Europe, Middle East & Africa. "We're working with Marvel and Moonscoop to create a show that will give our viewers the excitement they expect from a superhero show, with the enjoyment they'd expect from a smart, character-driven comedy. Flame on!"

Yost's television credits include The Batman, X-Men: Evolution and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The show is being produced at Moonscoop with pre-production in Paris and computer graphic production at its CG studios in Angouleme. The series will mix 2D and 3D animation.

Click on the thumbnail above for a larger view of the first promotional image.

CARTOON NETWORK FOR NOVEMBER

The "Lightspeed" episode of Teen Titans, featuring Kid Flash, is scheduled to premiere on Cartoon Network on Saturday, Dec. 3.

No new episodes of Justice League Unlimited are scheduled for the Nov. 7-Dec. 4 period, and it's likely the next new episode will air in 2006.

ULTIMATES' TRAITOR

Marvel Comics has released a preview of Ultimates 2 #9, which continues the "Grand Theft America" story.

"The master plan of the traitor deep within the heart of the Ultimates comes to startling fruition!" said editor Ralph Macchio. "The Triskelion is under massive attack and this may be the defining moment for Nick Fury's superhuman defense initiative."

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"With the devastating revelation of the traitor in the Ultimates, the team is reeling in shock! But even that sad situation can't stop wedding bells from ringing for Tony Stark and Natasha Romanov. Make sure to bring your invitation‹to action!"

The issue, by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch, goes on sale on Nov. 23. Click on the thumbnails for larger images.

BRIEFLY

* Above is a first look at the covers to Young Avengers #9, X-Men #178, Daredevil #179, Captain America #12, Arana #11 and Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her #3. Click on the thumbnails for larger images.

* The Hulk movie scored strong ratings with its premiere on USA Network on Sunday night. The film was the top ranked acquired movie in October in basic cable demographics, with a 1.8 rating in 18-49 (1.9 million viewers) and a 1.9 in 25-54 (1.9 million viewers).

* Coming Thursday: Marvel news -- and much more!!!

COMICS CONTINUUM BACK ISSUES

In case you missed The Continuum's recent coverage, here are some links. Click on the date to get the day's full report.